Real Madrid: Why Eduardo Camavinga is a priority over Kylian Mbappe

Position of Play

In recent years, Casemiro has shown that the role he plays at Madrid is an essential element. The Brazilian allows players like Modric and Kroos to dictate play with a sense of security, which is often absent when he is not in the squad.

The defensive midfielder position needs strengthening, keeping in mind the fact that  Madrid are expected to compete across multiple competitions. Camavinga seems to be the perfect choice, as his age allows Los Blancos to ease him into their plans, as they have done with most youngsters in recent years.

The French youngster is a two-way midfielder who is comfortable with the ball as much as he is without it. He features as the deepest midfielder in the 4-4-2 formation that Rennes usually play in, his ability to command the space behind the attack and shield the defense when the opposition breaks the first line of pressure is an asset to any team. A defensive midfielder who can add to the play at both ends of the pitch is a rare breed, add to this his pace allows him to recover lost ground and aids his excellent ball-winning abilities.

When it comes to Kylian Mbappe, the Frenchman doesn’t represent an orthodox No. 9. He has often played on the wings for Paris Saint Germain and even with the French team he has played in a role that supports Oliver Giroud, who uses his ability to win the first ball and draws the center backs out of position, creating space for Mbappe to run into from the wings.

Although his talent allows him to play across the front line and when it comes to the wings, Real Madrid have the Brazilian duo of Vinicius and Rodrygo who have shown that they have the potential to develop their game and run riot on the wings for years to come. It would make much more sense for Real to bring in an out and out forward to complement the strengths of the Brazilians, which is why Erling Haaland has been touted as a likelier successor to Karim Benzema.